Bright Etame, a 13 year old girl from Nigeria, returned to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY for successful follow-up heart surgery
on September 11th, thanks to Gift of Life Metro NY Chapter and the Rotary Club of Rye.
"The surgery lasted for 9 1/2 hours and Bright's heart is now fixed" said JT McFadden, Chairman Gift of Life Metro NY and President of the Elmsford
Rotary Club.. Gift of Life identifies children in third world countries, who are in need of lifesaving heart surgeries and provides its services at no charge to the families.
The Rotary Club of the Pelhams raised funds in 2016 for Bright's first surgery when she was hosted by a Pelham family. For this stay, Bright was able to stay with a Nigerian Family from Elmsford, NY.
Mr. McFadden said Bright has been recovering nicely and may be able to return to her family in Nigeria next week. "We would like to thank the nurses, doctors and support staff at Westchester Medical Center for all they have done for Bright," he said.
This year marks a milestone for GOL International, celebrating 50 years of providing lifesaving cardiac care to children in the developing world. Since its founding in 1975, its network has expanded to 84 affiliated programs in 80 countries across five continents, collectively saving the lives of 62,000 children with heart disease. Today, a child receives care through Gift of LIfe worldwide every 99 minutes. A Gala, Conference, and Golf Event celebrating this anniversary and raising funds for GOL programs was held on September 13th-15th on Long Island.
The Rotary Club of the Pelhams over the last 16 years has raised $340,000 for Gift of Life Programs through its Wine and Restaurant Tasting Events. Gift of Life Metro NY Chapter has saved 2500 children over the last 25 years.
To donate or to learn more about Gift of Life Metro NY visit https://giftoflifemetrony.org